Al Fasshauer works out on stationary bike at the Becoming Center at Artman in Ambler. Photo by Gene Walsh/Times Herald Staff.

AMBLER ­— Last year, several members of The Becoming Center took part in an annual senior fitness test, testing their fitness level and positively changing their approach to health and fitness.

One couple in particular, Al and Suzanne Fasshauer, said they found that participating in this program kept their healthy lifestyle an exciting and positive experience, as the center, and the results of the test in general, motivates them to keep working toward their fitness goals, while allowing them to be social and connect with others devoted to the same healthy lifestyle.

The Becoming Center, a community health and wellness center located on the campus of Artman in Ambler, offers individuals between the ages of 65 and 95 the opportunity to take the senior fitness test every year. This year’s test takes place May 29.

This test, created by the University of California Berkley, is a nationally standardized test that allows individuals to see how they rate in comparison to other people their age, while at the same time suggesting what more they can do to promote a healthy lifestyle.

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The test notifies individuals of their Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure and heart rate. Those taking it can also learn more about their strength, balance, endurance, and flexibility.

For those who choose to participate, it seems like an obvious decision to take the test.

“It just made sense for us to find out where we rate,” Suzanne Fasshauer said.

By comparing themselves to others in similar categories, individuals who take the Senior Fitness Test can use this information to their advantage.

“I took the test to see not only my weaknesses and strengths, but to see what to do to make it better,” Becoming Center member Vivian Noble said. “I found I was in better physical condition than I thought I was, but it was basically just kind of neat to compare results to other people that you think are pretty good.”

Taking this test and finding out not only where one falls on the fitness spectrum, but also how to improve upon what is already being done is very motivating for all individuals who participate. Participants find that feeling fit helps them to keep up healthy, positive outlooks on life, and this is exactly what the Becoming Center hopes to convey to those who frequent.

Becoming Center Director Gina Formica said she feels as though this test has met much success.

“It’s good to shine a light on where you’re doing well and where you need to step it up a little bit, and people do make positive changes,” Formica said.

Additionally, these changes aren’t just physical, but mental as well.

“Being devoted to fitness allows people to get out and socialize, which is all part of a healthy lifestyle,” she explained.

Noble speaks as a testament to this, as she describes the way the results of this test impacted her life.

“The results of the test did help me make a change because you know some of the things you work on, and some things surprise you a little bit, which is good help. The social atmosphere of the whole experience of being devoted to working out really enriches your life.”

The center is open to individuals of all ages, though its target age group is 55 or older as programming is focused on older adults. Pulling individuals from both the Artman community and surrounding areas, the Becoming Center offers low-impact fitness classes, a heated therapeutic pool, message therapy, acupuncture and a full fitness room equipped with state-of-the-art cardio and weight-lifting machines.

“We offer so many services at the Becoming Center that really focus towards older adults and cater towards their needs,” Formica said. “We have a highly trained staff who is here to help people who have specialized issues. Anyone can get a sore shoulder, but as you get older there are a lot more things to consider when treating and rehabbing it, and our staff is prepared to deal with that.”

In addition to being geared toward older adults, the Becoming Center sets itself apart from other gyms in the sense that it is a smaller, tight-knit community where there is a social, friendly vibe, not just a focus on working out.

“The center is like a mom-and-pop type of thing, people know people’s names, people say hello to one another,” Formica said.

This type of atmosphere ties into the idea that socialization is good for mental health very well. Not only do the visitors find the center a place to make friends and interact with others, but they feel as though the staff is very helpful and friendly as well.

“Everyone that works here is just great, if you need help figuring something out or adjusting how much you should be doing, they can definitely do that,” Al Fasshauer said. “But, the thing about this place is, everyone is just nice. It’s easy to be here. I need to be encouraged and feel like this is worth my life, and I definitely feel that here.”

“Everyone is caring here, it’s very family oriented, it’s part of your life,” Noble said.

The Senior Fitness test, which will be given on May 29 at the Becoming Center, includes the following stations:

· Height and Weight: This gives us a Body Mass Index (BMI) score that determines if you are at a healthy weight.

· Blood Pressure and Heart Rate: This is an indicator of cardiovascular health.

· 30-Second Chair Stand: Tests leg strength.

· 30-Second Arm Curl: Tests arm strength.

· 2-Minute Step: Tests endurance.

· Chair Sit and Reach: Tests leg flexibility.

· Back Scratch: Tests shoulder range of motion.

· 8-Foot Up & Go: Tests balance, mobility and fall risk.

Participants will be given a copy of their results, which includes explanations of each tests and recommendations on how to improve scores.

Senior Fitness Testing is free and open to Becoming Center members and the community. Registration is required. Testing takes about 30 minutes. Participants should wear comfortable clothes and sneakers.

The Becoming Center is located on 250 N Bethlehem Pike, Ambler, PA 19002. For more information, visit www.thebecomingcenter.org, or call (215) 643-9908.